With this in mind, I also wonder if we'll be able to crack open the case and upgrade that SSD later on down the road when price/GB drops.

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I expect to know by Monday how hard it is to open. iFixit is always among the first in line.

But we already know that the SSD is a Flash daughterboard (probably the same model as used in the MBA/rMBP), not a standard aftermarket SSD. You can buy them but they're not common and generally don't go on sale.

I expect to know by Monday how hard it is to open. iFixit is always among the first in line.

But we already know that the SSD is a Flash daughterboard (probably the same model as used in the MBA/rMBP), not a standard aftermarket SSD. You can buy them but they're not common and generally don't go on sale.

Thanks for the info. I'll have to research this more, but it sounds like going with the 768 GB SSD will have limited upgradability in the future.

Still, I think it's a good option, coupled with some fast thunderbolt external HDs or a RAID storage system for big files.

what if you go the traditional HD route – could you then swap in a standard SSD?

It will use a 3.5" form factor, but I expect Apple will do with the 2012 iMac what they did with the 2011 and put special firmware on the HDD to control the fans. So if you install an SSD, you'll need to use a fan control application.